Delta Airlines is jumping on the Bluetooth bandwagon. The Atlanta-based airline will begin rolling out Bluetooth connectivity to more planes and cabins starting in 2026, allowing passengers on its newest aircraft to pair Apple AirPods and other wireless listening devices to their in-flight entertainment systems. I’ll make it.
Delta Air Lines announced new Bluetooth plans Tuesday during a keynote address at the Las Vegas Sphere, held as part of CES, one of the world’s largest consumer electronics shows and the largest convention held in Las Vegas each year. .
As part of the presentation, Delta executives revealed that these enhanced Bluetooth features are part of enhancements to the in-flight entertainment systems on new planes. This includes new high-quality seatback screens and the just-announced ad-free streaming. Partnership with YouTube.
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Additionally, the company announced a new partnership with ride-hailing service Uber, scheduled to launch later this spring, to help customers earn money. skymile By vehicle.
Delta expands seatback Bluetooth connectivity
Currently, Delta passengers can pair wireless Bluetooth devices to only a small number of the airline’s in-flight seatback screens. Specifically, only in the first class cabin of the Airbus A321neo jet.
Bluetooth deployment has been limited; TPG will report in 2022was part of a trial in which Delta Air Lines was looking to expand the technology to more aircraft and more cabins. Since then, airlines (including Delta) have doubled down on installing seatback screens. And of course, Bluetooth-enabled headphones are only becoming more popular.
Which Delta Air Lines planes will have Bluetooth?
Please note one thing here. So far, Delta Air Lines has not announced plans to implement Bluetooth across its fleet. The airline announced Tuesday that the technology will begin appearing on some new aircraft deliveries next year.
Specifically, Delta plans to include this new technology in the future. Airbus A350-1000 jet aircraftwill begin in mid-2026 with the A321neos, executives said Tuesday. Products that have not yet been certified will eventually be delivered. Boeing 737 MAX10.
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That said, Bluetooth is available in all cabins on these jets, so whether you’re flying on a Delta One ticket or a basic economy fare, you’ll be able to pair your AirPods .
In some ways, the airline is following in the footsteps of previously announced United Airlines. Plan to equip with more than 800 jets It will be equipped with Bluetooth functionality by 2032.
Massive technology improvements announced in Las Vegas
For Delta Air Lines, the Bluetooth announcement comes as part of a major in-flight entertainment overhaul that the airline unveiled Tuesday at the Sphere, with its brand emblazoned across the world-famous Las Vegas venue. It became a huge spectacle.
Delta Air Lines has used CES to announce other major innovations in recent years. Back in 2020, CEO Ed Bastian first hinted at the airline’s plans to make in-flight Wi-Fi free during his keynote speech. Currently, SkyMiles members enjoy complimentary service on more than 700 Delta jets.
The expansion of Bluetooth connectivity coming to Delta carriers in 2026 will be made possible by an all-new seatback entertainment system that will debut on certain new aircraft that Delta plans to introduce.
The 4K HDR QLED screen provides what Delta calls a “theater-like viewing experience.”
And it’s not just hardware changes.
The company announced a new partnership with streaming giant YouTube on Tuesday. Passengers will now have ad-free access to YouTube Premium and YouTube Music on board, and will be able to do so on their seatback screens or on their personal devices via free Wi-Fi.
Delta’s new screens will also feature a “Do Not Disturb” feature, allowing passengers to alert flight attendants if they don’t want to be woken up for in-flight service. The system also provides translation services, allowing passengers to listen to in-flight announcements in their preferred language.
“Through free high-speed Wi-Fi, industry-leading seatback screens, or other personalized channels in Delta’s digital ecosystem, we are making Sky We are committed to providing a seamless and enriching experience for our Miles members.” said in a statement ahead of Tuesday’s event.
The “Next Generation Delta Sync Seatback Experience” is part of Delta’s announced partnership with aerospace company Thales Avionics.
New Uber partnership
Delta Air Lines also announced good news Tuesday for SkyMiles members who regularly use Uber.
Later this spring, the airline and ride-hailing service will launch a new partnership that will allow SkyMiles members to link their accounts to Uber and earn Delta miles on eligible rides and deliveries.
Once operational, SkyMiles earnings with Uber will include:
- 1 mile per dollar spent on UberX rides to and from the airport
- 2 miles per $1 on premium rides
- 3 miles per dollar spent on Uber Reserve rides
- 1 mile per dollar spent on eligible restaurant and grocery orders
The companies plan to announce further details about the partnership in the coming weeks.
AI “Concierge” now available in mobile app
On the other hand, there will be no major product launches in 2025 without innovations related to artificial intelligence.
Delta Air Lines announced it will introduce Delta Concierge to its Fly Delta mobile app this year. Delta Concierge is an AI tool that provides passengers with additional instructions and suggestions during their journey, providing, in the company’s words, “contextual guidance and customized recommendations” throughout the trip.
That might mean an AI “concierge” providing information about passport and visa requirements, or offering packing tips based on the destination’s weather forecast.
The move comes as airlines across the country are investing significant resources in improving their mobile apps, allowing customers to track their bags, rebook, claim lost baggage insurance, and make important announcements through features such as “Live Activities.” Made in the midst of offering more ways to receive notifications about. . ”
For Delta Airlines in particular, these hardware and software improvements include: Updated interior look Its cabin is scheduled to debut on several new jets later this year, and retrofits to existing aircraft are also planned in the coming years.
The company used its participation in CES as a way to celebrate its 100th anniversary with an exhibit inside the Sphere and promote its vision for the future.
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